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No buses... so now what?

For the second time in as many weeks (both Tuesdays, I might add...) we've had buses cancelled due to inclement weather. Sometimes, these days can be a blessing, as when a number of students are bussed in, we have few in the building and it may be an opportunity to catch up on paperwork, the dreaded grading that we all try to minimize and still manage to collect too much of... but this close to January exams, I'd rather be able to work with my students and help them study and review the semester's content.

I had 4 students in my grade 11 class, and we took up the answers to the genetics problems test they wrote last week. One student in grade 12? He's taking samples from the lab we set up yesterday (using dialysis tubing to model the small intestine) so the next class can use the equipment tomorrow.

What about me? Did I make good use of my time? I copied my grade 11 exam and delivered it to the main office for safe-keeping until my students write it next week. I started working on the markscheme for said exam (yes, after it's finalised!). I conferred with my teaching partners about the labs we are trying to complete before the exam. I answered questions from my grade 11's about genetics and prepared lists of syllabus topics that students need to know for the exam. Most of this, photocopying aside, I could have done at home, in my PJ's, just as effectively.

Many US school districts use the "2-hour delayed start" on days like this... gives time for roads to be cleared, and everyone still comes to school for a shorter day. We either cancel buses or cancel school altogether. Would the delayed start be a better option here? Or should schools close if the roads are deemed too dangerous for buses? I understand that a bus handles differently from a car (or SUV with 4WD), but based on the traffic reports I heard on my drive in... I'm surprised more schools weren't closed entirely.

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